Argentina's Unbeaten Streak Ahead of World Cup Debut

The Argentine national football team enters the 2026 World Cup in strong form, aiming to retain the title they secured in Qatar 2022. Their quest for a repeat championship, a feat not achieved by any team in over 50 years, presents a supreme challenge.

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, the team has maintained an impressive record since the last World Cup. In the past three and a half years, they have competed in 39 matches, encompassing both friendlies and South American qualifiers. This period has yielded 31 victories, four draws, and four defeats, underscoring their consistent performance.

Following their World Cup triumph, Argentina has continued its winning streak in seven subsequent friendly matches. However, these games have predominantly featured opponents of lesser caliber. This strategy, prioritizing economic gains through matches against less prestigious teams, has been a recurring theme during Scaloni's tenure, as noted by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

Their last defeat in a major tournament was the notable loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The team's most recent outing was a 3-0 friendly victory against Iceland.